FAQ

There does seem to be some confusion out there, particularly since these terms are used interchangeably. Here are the distinctions: TEFL- Refers to teaching English as a "foreign" language, which presumes you are in a country whose first language is not English. For example, if you are teaching English in Korea, you are engaging in "TEFL". Alternately, "TESL", which stands for Teaching English as a Second Language" would be, for example, teaching English in country whose first language is English, such as the United States or Canada. Now, TESOL, which stands for "Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, is an umbrella term that encompasses both kinds of teaching-TESL and TEFL. Our certificate is a more inclusive "TESOL" certificate.

Are there any special requirements to join the course?

Anyone is welcome to apply for admission, including non-native speakers of English and those who have little or no previous teaching experience. To take the course, we do recommend that the candidate have completed at least two years of college work. If the candidate has not completed college-level work, then he or she should possess professional certifications or training that indicate that ability to complete an adult education course such as this. Naturally, the applicant should also have a strong desire to teach English. Our experience has been that effective teaching stems from both the preparation and passion you bring into the classroom.

Do I need to be a native English speaker to take the TESOL Teaching Certificate course?

No. If you possess advanced proficiency in English (i.e., 80 on the TOEFL IBT, "7" on IELTS, or 800 on the TOEIC), then you should be able to handle the workload and benefit from taking the course. Feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions regarding your specific language proficiency situation.

Do I already need to be a teacher to take this course?

Of course not! Most of our candidates have never taught before. Our course is designed to accommodate those who want to be teachers as well as those who already are teaching. Our experience has shown that the most important factor in becoming a great ESL/EFL teacher is one's desire to teach. Obviously, you're motivated enough if you are researching our program. A teacher needs certain technical skills, obviously, but that's what you'll be developing throughout this course.

How will I be assessed in the course?

Your progress will be assessed continuously. At the end of each lesson you will have a writing assignment. Additionally, you will have a final test at the end of the course that is cumulative in nature.

What happens if I don't pass an assignment?

Your tutor will ask you to resubmit your work. If you are going through the material and doing the self-checks and setting aside an appropriate amount of time to do the work, you shouldn't have any problems passing your assignments. One of the functions of the course tutor is to ensure that you get the support you need, so if you have questions about the content, or need any kind of assistance, he or she is always just a click away.

What will I receive when I finish the course?

You will receive a TESOL Teaching Certificate (valid for life) and a letter of reference that you can present to any interested parties. The letter outlines the topics you covered in the course as well as your final course grade.

Does your TESOL course guarantee me a job?

We do not do direct job placement, as our focus is on providing the TESOL training. And to be honest, it wouldn't be responsible for us to guarantee you a job. As with any employment opportunity, schools and administrators look at your overall "picture". We can guarantee, however, that after completing this course you will not only have a TESOL certificate to highlight on your CV, but you will also possess the TESOL skills, knowledge, and confidence to be able to walk into any ESL/EFL classroom and be successful.

How long does it take to get my TESOL certificate after I finish the course?

You will get a PDF color copy of your certificate and letter of reference via e-mail 3-5 days after you finish the course. The hard copy of the certificate and letter are then sent out via mail later. Depending on where you live, you can take your certificate in 30 working days.